Three Militants Killed in Kishtwar Gunfight

New Delhi, February 23, 2026: In a significant victory for security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, three militants, including a high-ranking commander of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), were neutralized during a fierce gunfight in the Kishtwar district on Sunday. The operation, code-named ‘Operation Trashi-I’, culminated in the Chatroo forest belt after a month-long pursuit through challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions.

The Operation: Tactical Precision in Challenging Terrain

The encounter broke out in the Passerkut area of the Chatroo belt on February 22, 2026. Acting on pinpoint intelligence shared by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), a joint team comprising the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps (CIF Delta), the CRPF, and local police launched a coordinated strike.

According to military officials, the militants were tracked to a seasonal mud house (locally known as a dhok) situated at the foothills. As the search parties closed in, the trapped militants opened heavy fire. In the ensuing exchange, the structure caught fire, and all three militants were killed.

Neutralizing a “Most Wanted” Commander

The highlight of the operation was the elimination of Saifullah, a notorious JeM commander who had been active in the Chenab Valley for over five years.

• The Profile: Saifullah carried a bounty of ₹20 lakh and was a master of evasion, having escaped multiple cordons in the past.
• Past Crimes: He was the alleged mastermind behind several deadly strikes, including a July 2024 attack that resulted in the loss of four soldiers.
• Strategic Impact: Security officials described his death as a “major breakthrough,” stating that with this operation, the remaining foreign infiltrators active in the Doda-Kishtwar circuit have been effectively neutralized.

Heroism on the Frontlines: K9 Tyson’s Bravery

The operation also highlighted the valor of the Army’s K9 unit. Tyson, a specialized canine attached to the 2 Para Special Forces, played a pivotal role in the mission.

Leading the troops toward the hidden militants, Tyson took the first hit when a bullet struck him in the leg. Despite his injury, the courageous dog continued to pinpoint the exact location of the insurgents, allowing the Special Forces to engage the target with precision. Tyson was later airlifted for veterinary treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Recovery and Aftermath

Following the gunfight, security forces recovered a significant cache of “war-like stores,” including:

• Three AK-47 rifles.
• Multiple loaded magazines and ammunition.
• Tactical equipment and survival rations.

The White Knight Corps confirmed that the area remains under a strict cordon as “sanitization” operations continue to ensure no further threats remain in the dense forest cover.

“The hunt continues—those who seek to disturb peace will find no sanctuary,” the Army’s White Knight Corps stated in a firm message following the encounter.

Regional Context

The Kishtwar-Chatroo axis has seen a spike in activity over the last month, with nearly six skirmishes reported since mid-January. This latest success brings the total number of JeM militants killed in the Jammu region this year to seven, marking a significant dent in the terror infrastructure operating across the Pir Panjal range.